looking to buy an ATO

i am looking to buy an ATO system. Any suggestions? I have looked on autotopoff.com and know about the JBJ and Tunze ATO's?
Money is an issue with me but dont mind saving up for the better equipment.
After all this hobby is a journey and not a shortcut.

 

I have the Tunze ATO with optional kalk doser, and I love it. They aren't cheap, but they certainly aren't overpriced either. Obviously, you can save $20 by using an empty salt bucket, or a Home Depot bucket instead of the bucket that Tunze sells.

The Tunze unit works flawlessly for me, and I'd have to say that I'd never have another tank without an ATO now.

 

I was on a budget as well when I got my ATO and I found this one:

Top it Off Kit Premium - English

It works perfectly and I have it running with a Tom's Aqualifter pump. In total the system is about $50.

 

I have the JBJ auto top off. I got it on sale from their website with free shipping. It works really well! I really like it. I love the informative lights on it, as well as the safety features.

I had an autotopoff.com one that failed. But I only had a single switch one, so make sure to get double switch if you go that route.

 

I love my tunze. I'll never have a tank without a tunze ATO again.

There is a really good thread around here somewhere debating the superiority of the laser the tunze uses... I feel it is far superior to a float... I'll try to dig it up.

 

hahah Peredhil i read that entire thread earlier today. lol
i would like to get the tunze ato but i am thinking of getting two ato's since i have two tanks and would like to automatize them as much as possible. So i might have to go a little cheaper route?

 

don't know if it fits your setup, but if you plumb them together, you'd only need one...